Choosing, 1864
by George Frederic Watts, (1817 – 1904)
Oil on canvas

The Best Thing in the World
by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

What’s the best thing in the world?
June-rose, by May-dew impearled;
Sweet south-wind, that means no rain;
Truth, not cruel to a friend;
Pleasure, not in haste to end;
Beauty, not self-decked and curled
Till its pride is over-plain;
Light, that never makes you wink;
Memory, that gives no pain;
Love, when, so, you’re loved again.
What’s the best thing in the world?
– Something out of it, I think.

Facts about Elizabeth Barrett Browning

• Born: 6 March 1806
• Birthplace: Durham, England
• Died: 29 June 1861
• Best Known As: Author of Aurora Leigh and wife of Robert Browning

After anonymously publishing a book of poetry and a translation of Aeschylus’ Prometheus Bound, Elizabeth Barrett published The Seraphim and Other Poems in 1838 under her own name. Her literary success drew the attention of poet Robert Browning and they met and fell in love. In defiance of her father, and in spite of ill-health, she married Browning secretly in 1846. She continued to publish poems, including the “novel in verse” Aurora Leigh, published in 1857.

deletereply starfishred wrote on Apr 21, ’09 She was so very good to thanks laurita

deletereply sweetpotatoqueen wrote on Apr 21, ’09 Gratitude of life is among the best things! The classics…can’t beat them. Beautiful music and art Laurita!

deletereply caffeinatedjo wrote on Apr 22, ’09 lauritasita said What’s the best thing in the world? – Something out of it, I think. Indeed. I’ve always liked her poetry, She managed to get right to the meat of the subject.

deletereply sugarpiehuny wrote on Apr 22, ’09, edited on Apr 22, ’09 I love her.. born March 6th.. interesting.. I have so many friends born on that date…I’ve read her since I was about 13. Thanks for posting this… http://sugarpiehuny.multiply.com/journal/item/163/The_Time_to_Love.._poetry_wed.

deletereply sanssouciblogs wrote on Apr 23, ’09 Beautiful classic!

deletereply sugarpiehuny wrote on Apr 23, ’09 I do so love their love story…

Link back to the Poetry Wednesday tour on Laurita’s page

Classical Music – Classical Music

Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s biography was brought to you by:
http://www.answers.com/topic/elizabeth-barrett-browning